First Day Ever at a Gun Range.. What a Rush

[4Freedom]

Hi, it was my first day ever at the range and my first time firing a handgun ever. Oh man.. what a rush. Yeah, I was a bit freaked out at first, but after my first 10 rounds, I really strated to get the hang of it. The range officer was also very impressed with my first results with 9mm. He was a real gentleman and helped me out every step of the way. What can I say, I felt intimidated and nervous, the sounds of the guns going off around me freaked me a bit, but quickly I got accustomed to it.

The first gun I fired, was one I held before and I seem to have falled n in love with, it is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. After my first shot I hit a bulls-eye, dead center probably about 20-25ft away (not really sure). The range officer was happy. Of course my nerves got to me and I got a bit sloppy on the followiing shots. However, I had really tight groups and hit the center targets at that distance rather consistently with the 9mm. I really impressed myself. Because after the first time shooting it, it was like an ocean wave crashing on my head, a reality check that I just fired my first hand cannon. WHAT A RUSH .

Well, everything was going great and then I decided to move up to the .45 caliber and tried out the double stack SPringfield XD. It was a bulky gun, but felt better to me than the Glock double-stacks. Well, sadly the .45 just had a lot of boom and shake and I could never quite keep my hands steady. So even though I had really tight groups with the 9mm, I really slopped with the .45. Right towards the end, round 94 out of 100, I managed to hit my targets with more accuracy. I started to understand the feel of the .45 a bit more. It will take some time before I can get used to it, but for my first time, it did not feel so far off.

Well, my first time shooting and I polished 100 rounds, 50 of 9mm and 50 of .45.

So, now I am off to find some handguns. Yes, I can see I am rather accurate with 9mm, will need work with .45. However, I am thinking with my budget, I will try to get three handguns for under $1600. I like to get .45 in the Smith & Wesson M&P, because this gun really felt perfect for my hand and I liked the control it had. I think I might also want to go with a 9mm and a dirt cheap .22 for plinking. I hear 9mm are very effective guns, because they sell good ammunition now that will help it expand like a .45 caliber gun. I will also be buying an additional gun for my pocket and one for the forest. I will see what I can do with my budget.

The range had only 60 guns to choose from and most were not ones I was interested in and several revolvers. So, most likely I will not be able to try the gun I buy. I will just go by the feel of the gun, which seems to be a good determining factor. I knew when holding the S&W M&P even before shooting it, I would like this gun.

Well, it was a very nice day, the $50 I spent there today for 2 rental guns and 100 rounds lead free ammo was worth it, plus they gave me free basic instruction.

 

[average_shooter]

Congratulations on your first handgun experience. It's good to know you had fun while getting some good instruction.

The adrenaline can be quite the rush. The first time I tried a makeshift "action" shooting event with some friends I was so amped by the time I got to the AR that I had to stop before finishing the mag because I couldn't focus. Really fun and exciting! Almost too fun... but it got me hooked.

As far as purchasing handguns, I'd suggest slowing down a bit. But I tend to think about purchases for longer than a year before finally dropping the cash. If the range rents guns, take the time to try out as many different models and calibers that you can before making a decision. There's guns that have felt good in my hand that I didn't care for shooting, and there were some that were so-so in my hand that I turned out to really enjoy.

Also, even though it sounds like you're leaning more towards the semi-autos, take the time to try out some revolvers too. I didn't really think I was much of a revolver person until one day at the shop, on a whim, I asked to see some single action revolvers. Turns out I really like them and now I'm looking at trying out Cowboy Action Shooting.

Point being, try as many different models and calibers as possible, be safe and have fun.

 

[ljnowell]

If you are thinking about a 22 for plinking consider getting a 22 kit for one of the other pistols you buy. Then you can get more practice handling the gun and getting to know the trigger.

 

[Gord]

Congrats, and take average_shooter's advice - do handle (and, if possible, shoot) as many handguns as possible before making your purchasing decisions. If you liked the way the M&P felt in your hand, see if you can find a CZ-75B to fondle; you could certainly do worse than either.

As for caliber, realize that with modern rounds there is not a whole lot of difference between 9mm, .40 or .45. In other words, don't drink the "my round is the best!" Kool-Aid; there's a lot of notoriously bad info floating around the internet and gun shops regarding x caliber's ability (or lack thereof) to blow yer arm clean off at the shoulder, etc. You can generally chalk it up to decades of perpetuated myths and/or personal insecurity.

Go with the caliber you perform the best with, and do go ahead with your plans to buy a .22 for practice - a conversion kit would definitely be the way to go if possible, but if none is made for your gun a dedicated .22 will still allow you to fine-hone your fundamentals.

Most importantly, enjoy!

 

[bang_bang]

Practice with a .22 pistol is a must.
For one, it's cheaper. You can better hone your trigger control and for $15, you get 550 shots: more bang for your $$$.

Good .22lr pistols are fairly inexpensive brand new. S&W and Ruger seem to be the most common around here during shooting matches. The Ruger's are extremely accurate, but some can find it a pain to reassemble them. The S&W is accurate, and with the push of a button, the barrel comes off for easy cleaning. I own a S&W .22lr, fun to shoot and plenty accurate enough for hunting.

If you can find a .22lr conversion for your pistol you plan to purchase, really look into it. You can get familiar with the handling of gun, but with a much cheaper price tag when you buy ammo. The kit might be a bit expensive, but will pay for itself if you shoot often. Keep in mind it is also important to practice with full power ammo. You learn to control recoil for self defense situations and for increased accuracy rapid fire.

 

[ljnowell]

If you can find a .22lr conversion for your pistol you plan to purchase, really look into it. You can get familiar with the handling of gun, but with a much cheaper price tag when you buy ammo. The kit might be a bit expensive, but will pay for itself if you shoot often. Keep in mind it is also important to practice with full power ammo. You learn to control recoil for self defense situations and for increased accuracy rapid fire.

Thats the same advice I gave above. To expand on that, typically you can buy the conversion for less money than a quality 22 pistol anyway. Its a great deal all around, IMO.

 

[4Freedom]

Thanks everyone for the great tips. After I purchase my gun I will be looking into the .22 conversion kits or, alternatively, I will just go find a cheap used .22LR I can buy. I must say, I really loved the feeling and how the S&W M&P shot. If I was able to hit bulls eyes with this my first time shooting, I just wonder what it will be like when I am more proficient. The gun was way more accurate than I was.. LOL

Perhaps one other reason I messed up with the .45 is that it was a really thick double stack. Perhaps I would have been better off starting with a slimmer model, like a 1911, rather than the bulky 13 +1 SPringfield XD .45. The grip was a bit much and the power of the gun, made me feel like I had not so much control. I really loved the way the Kimbers 1911 .45s felt, but because of the high price tag, I didn't think it was worth trying these guns, even though they had such a nice feeling in my hand and the trigger pull was clean, compared to the jerky springfield XDs.

As for trying all the guns, I don't think I can really, they cost me $8 to rent each and I am forced to buy the ammo the range uses which is a bit spendy. Many of the guns are small revolvers and some funky calibers I don't think I want to get involved with until I am a better to shooter. Also, some models are so expensive, I couldn't really afford them anyway, at least anytime in the near future. Really, a majority of their guns are older models and of course a large selection of glocks. Well, I hate the way glocks feel, but perhaps I will give their glocks a try at the range the next time. I wish I could sneak in some cheap russian or generic ammo to put in those rented guns . Just kidding. I doubt they make that for handguns anyway.

I was shunning it earlier, but I don't see how I can go wrong with a 9mm as my carry and conceal piece. Because I am on a limited budget, I will go for 10mm instead of .45. I want this to be my mountain gun, when I am in the backcountry, it won't be used for target practice. Unfortunately, the range doesn't rent any 10mm, so I will just have to find some kind and loving shooter in my area who will let me try it out. Anybody, in Portland, OR area have a 10mm to rent a poor, starving newbie shooter?

 

[Rmac58]

Consider a .40 caliber pistol.
If you're not hung up on semi auto's, there is a plethora of revolvers around, in your price range.

 

[Rmac58]

Consider a .40 caliber pistol.
If you're not hung up on semi auto's, there is a plethora of revolvers around, in your price range.


SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST.

 

[MaterDei]

You really should try a 1911 because with your budget you CAN afford one. Both of the guns you fired today were double actions. You really should at least try shooting a single action before making your decision.

You can buy a good 1911, a 9mm, and a .22LR brand new for $1600.

$600 will buy a nice 1911
$500 will get you an M&P 9mm, and
$300 will buy a very nice dedicated 22 or conversion kit.

If given the choice between a dedicated 22 and a conversion kit for about the same dollars, I'd buy the gun. YMMV

 

[jad0110]

Welcome to THR! You are going to like it here.

Keep in mind that 10mm ammo is pretty expensive and can be harder to find than 9mm, 38 spl, 45 ACP and others. So therefore it is generally considered a reloader's cartridge. Also, all things being equal (grip frame, weight, etc) the 10mm is going to have significantly more recoil than 9mm or 45 ACP. Also, I don't shoot double stack autos very well either, and my hands are pretty big. I don't know of any single stack 10mm autos, other than the 1911 platform. So you aren't alone. Double stacks just don't feel right to me.

Also, as far as 22s go, my sister recently bought a very nice 5.5-6.5" (I think) bull barrel Ruger Mk II for $200 used (excellent condition). And my mother got an extremely sweet Hi Standard Citation from 1962 or 63 for $450 the same day. So great deals can be had on really nice 22s. You have my respect for going for a good 22, most people (especially guys) think 22s are beneath them. 22s are about my most favorite firearms. I only have 2 right now, but will probably add more in the future. In fact, Wallie World has Mossberg Plinkster semi auto 22 rifles for just over $100 ... might be fun to pick one of those up too one day.

And speaking of used guns, you can potentially save a pile by buying used when possible. For example, I've seen used Glocks for as little as $350. New they seem to start at $500. New S&W 617 22 DA revolvers go for $600+, while older Model 17s and 18s can still be found for under $500 ... and as nice as the 617 is, I personally believe the older Smiths are even nicer. Better gun for less $, a win-win. Plus, used guns with a bit of wear just have more character.

If you are interested in an affordable, solid (if no frills) 1911, the Rock Island 1911s are a good bet. So are the basic Springfield Mil-Spec and GI models. Though often, these guns require trigger work (mine did) to cure gritty actions and sloppy letoffs.

And do try renting some revolvers too. A few years back I wasn't interested in them (I was a wunder9 kinda guy), until I shot a 6" S&W Model 66 (357 Magnum) and got bitten by the revolver bug BIG TIME. Revolvers (S&Ws in particular) are now my first love in hand cannons, with 1911s coming in a very close second. S&W makes a very nice 22 DA revolver BTW, the K-22 Models 17 and 18. They are a bit pricey ($350 and up), but if you can master the trigger of a DA wheelgun, you should be able to shoot just about anything well.

And I would take it a little slower, as another poster suggested. My father for example thought the Magnum Baby Eagle in 9mm was his ideal gun, until he bought a Kahr K9. He shoots the smaller K9 better than the Baby Eagle (the Kahr does have a MUCH nicer trigger pull than the BE), so now his BE is on consignment and he has a Uberti Cattleman 1873 Single Action Army on order ... 45 Colt, case hardened, blue, 5.5" barrel ... sweet!

Welcome to the wonderful world of firearms, by the way! You have been bitten by the bug, and a few years from now you will have a lot more than 3 guns! Remember, you've not even gotten to shotguns and rifles yet!

 

[hadmanysons]

I'm a little confused. How is it that you are a senior member with 250+ posts and that was your first time at a range? Not accusing you of anything, just a little befuddled.

 

[4Freedom]

Welcome to the wonderful world of firearms, by the way! You have been bitten by the bug, and a few years from now you will have a lot more than 3 guns! Remember, you've not even gotten to shotguns and rifles yet

THANK YOU. I appreciate everyone's help here. Well I have fired some rifles in the past and remember the enjoyment, although it was years ago. However, firing a handgun was a whole new thing. Yes, I can say it was perhaps one of the most enjoyable moments in my life. Had the ammo not cost so much money, I could have just spent the entire night at the range shooting. Heck, they probably would have had to throw me out I was having so much fun. Sadly, ammo is so damn expensive, that my wallet was the guiding factor of me having to leave.

You really should try a 1911 because with your budget you CAN afford one. Both of the guns you fired today were double actions. You really should at least try shooting a single action before making your decision.

Yeah, this is some good advice. Maybe, the double stacks with the double action trigger .45's are not for me. The combination of bulk and recoil made it seem awkward. However, I really enjoyed holding those Kimbers in my hand. I wonder how hard it would be to find a used Kimber. Since my range has a whole lot of them to try, I could even get a good feel for them. Maybe I will investigate some 1911s. Except for the Springfield XD (13 + 1), a majority of 45s double stacks don't stock up to much extra ammo, msot arel like 10 + 1. I belive the 1911 is 8 + 1 in .45, is that correct? I think the 1911 route may be good.

Keep in mind that 10mm ammo is pretty expensive and can be harder to find than 9mm, 38 spl, 45 ACP and others.

Yes, well the only reason I was thinking of choosing the 10mm over the .45 is that I plan on doing lot of backcountry hiking and I have been told the 10mm is better caliber for protection against black bears and cougars. I have had few bad experiences in the past and would like a good backwoods handgun, for worst case scenarios, even though I know they likely won't occur again. I am not sure if they sell .45 rounds that can penetrate a black bear. If so, I can maybe go that route. I was thinking thinking that my 10mm forest gun would not be used so often, except when hiking. I think a 9mm would be a better gun for urban environment than a .45 anyway.

If I am to buy a .22, a 9mm and .45, I won't have money for the 10mm and vice versa. Maybe a revolver would be great, but the lack of ammo they carry, I would think would be a disadvantage for a newer shooter like me. Although, it does seem a revolver is more stable, more reliable and has wider variety of ammo types than a semi.

I'm a little confused. How is it that you are a senior member with 250+ posts and that was your first time at a range? Not accusing you of anything, just a little befuddled.

Well, I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of fire arms, including rifles, shotguns and optics, during the Obama mania and have had loads of questions on a variety of topics. Also, I have partaken in many conversations, like those on general board. Why does having 250 posts mean I have to be an experienced shooter? I didn't give myself the label "Senior Member", it does that automatically.

 

[SoCalShooter]

I had a G20 in 10 mill and it was awesome but honestly it costs to damn much for me to keep in the arsenal, so I had a buddy I sold it to.

You definitely want a 1911 pattern handgun once you get one you will want more its a disease kinda like BRD. I have 7 1911's all different

YOu could get a 45 1911 and then get the .22 conversion kit and that way you can get a lot of practice with the same gun and before you leave the range just put the 45 parts back on, you definetly need a practice gun and nothing suffices better than an air pistol or a .22.

 

[JBinMontana]

Congrats on your first time at the range.... now your going to get hooked.

Now you want to talk nervous... be the first one on the line at your first IDPA or USPS IPSC Match and all eyes are on you

Then you start to just gel in your Dr Shoals

 

[rklessdriver]

Don't get too enthralled with the "bear killer pistol thing". Buy what you can afford and are comfortable with to start out. Any pistol would be better than nothing if you needed it hiking in the great outdoors. If that's a S&W M/P 9mm, then that's what it is, at least your proficient with it and got plenty of ammo.

Just my opinion but if you really want an outdoor hiking type pistol... I'd HIGHLY recommend you buy a 4" Smith and Wesson L frame (M586/686) in .357mag. A K frame mag (M19/66) wouldn't be bad but it won't stand up to being shot with heavy full house loads a bunch... however it's a bit lighter and easier to carry around all day.

The 10mm is a great cartridge IMO. Here is the thing about the 10mm thou... it's expensive, hard to find, not many pistol choices are avail and if you thought a .45ACP was more recoil than your ready for right now.... the 10mm is whole nother ball game.

I mean we'd all like to have a Howiter if a bear attacks us, but no one wants to carry one just incase...

As for the other choices.

A .22 pistol is the best investment you'll ever make towards your shooting. Cheap to feed and fun to shoot. I personally have a Smith and Wesson 22A and a Ruger MKII. I like both and would recommend either to a new pistol shooter in a heart beat.

1911's are always a good pistol to have. Classic desgin that works for MOST people. Millions of US GI's cut their shooting teeth on them. Alternatly Springfield offers a reasonable priced 9mm 1911 so it would probally be perfect for you. A Browning Hi Power would be another safe bet....

I have quite a few of both - but I didn't buy them all when I was just starting out. Like everything I bought them as time progressed and prioritized my purchases. There's just so many choices. I rember when I first started out... You got to have priorities....
Will

 

[RippinSVT]

Absolutely get a .22 pistol/revolver. Nothing else will give you more confidence, trigger-control, etc. The skills I build on my 22's transfer over to my larger calibers and are then honed for a specific gun.

 

[4Freedom]

Yeah, I will find the cheapest and most decent .22 I can find for some good plinkin fun.

However, I have come to a conclusion. I think I will purchase a 9mm for my carry and will consider a high power revolver for the forest. However, I am still debating whether or not to search out for a 10mm pistol. If I am in the forest, I would like a real powerful gun to use in worst case, and of course, very rare, SHTF scenarios against animals. I just keep getting pushed back and forth by people. Some say oh no a pistol can never protect you agaisnt an animal like a black bear, others say a revolver would limit you in its round capacity and a 10mm pistol would be your best defense. So, even though I have made my mind on my general every day carry piece, I am still debating as to what to go get for my outdoor expeditions.

 

[WC145]

Welcome to the dark side. Enjoy your new addiction!

 

[atakawow]

My suggestions:

Sig p226 9mm OR Sig p239 9mm (for conceal)
Sig Mosquito

Or

Glock 19
Advantage Arms 22lr conversion kit for g19.

The Sig package will run you around $700-900 used.
The Glock package will run you around $575-700 used.

Sig p226 9mm, what can I say? It's a work of art. It is quite large though. Go with the p239 9mm instead if you want it for concealment.

The Sig Mosquito is a full size 22lr gun, it is about 90% in size of the p226 (p226 is a huge pistol). IMO, it is the BEST 22lr handgun for your practice. Why? You're handling a full size pistol, not like the other "toys." It also has the looks of a real pistol. But best of all, you're literally practicing with the same gun that you're going to carry. This will help familiarize yourself with the functions, trigger, and feel of the gun that you are going to be carrying. To me, that is priceless.

The Glock 19, IMO, is the top 3 best guns for concealment, that is if weight is an issue. If you can get used to the weird grip angle, go for the Glock. It is extremely reliable, superb accuracy, super lightweight, high round cap, parts easy to replace, affordable.

The Advantage Arms will let you convert your Glock 19 to shoot 22lr. All it is is a switch of the slide, takes approximately 10 secs to convert back and forth. Again, this will allow you to practice with the same gun that you are carrying.

Overall, I say go with the Sig package. 2 guns better than 1
Just my 2 cents. I may sound bias because I'm a Sig fan.